We’re back from an international break which saw Bafana Bafana continue their quest back into the African Cup of Nations. For those national squad members involved, the ‘break’ merely means wearing a different kit, and we could well see some players back with niggles and injuries that could keep them out of club competition. Nevertheless, we turn our attention to another intense set of fixtures with various permutations for this league we call our own. Let’s see if the mighty Amakhosi can continue their 100% win record atop the ABSA Premiership.
Kaizer Chiefs vs University of Pretoria | Saturday 13 September | FNB Stadium | 15:00
It’s five out of five for the high-flying Amakhosi. They’ve conceded just one goal in these games and look as dominant as ever. They face up to a stuttering AmaTuks, who haven’t quite got going yet. Their only win so far came against lowly Chippa, hardly an achievement. This kind of form doesn’t offer much hope going up against Chiefs, and its going to take a monumental upset to prevent the home side from taking all three point. At 33/100 its not the worst win odds I’ve seen, consider including in multiples to maximise profits.
Maritzburg United vs Mpumalanga Black Aces | Saturday 13 September | Harry Gwala Stadium | 15:00
Both sides have had no cup interferences since the start of the season and would’ve hoped – considering their squads’ potential – to have done a little better than their current showing. They’re separated by three points, with Maritzburg having picked up an extra win. As the home side, they look the likelier of the two to pick up a win in this one. They’re a little short on value for the three points at 6/10, despite their middling performances so far. However, with four wins out of four against Black Aces in the KZN capital, it leaves little other option. Proceed with caution.
SuperSport United vs Platinum Stars | Saturday 13 September | Lucas Moripe Stadium | 18:00
Matsatsantsa have a new coach, and predictably the South African cesspool of talent has offered up former Bafana coach Gordon Igesund as Calvin Johnson’s replacement. They’ve had a shocking start to the season, but luckily come up against an equally disappointing Dikwena side short on league confidence after an embarrassing two-leg thumping by Chiefs in the MTN8. Both sides need this victory to gain momentum. They both possess the assets to come out with a victory, and the bookies have them evenly match at 17/10 a win. Look to the Under 2.5 Goals market here; I feel picking sides in this one is more of a gamble than a bet.
Polokwane City vs AmaZulu | Saturday 13 September | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium | 18:00
The wooden spoon battle is in its infancy, but for the home side, it looks an almost certain reality this season. Polokwane have looked off the boil and are conceding goals too consistently for any coach’s liking. Whilst Usuthu sit at the bottom, one feels that they can flip the switch when needed and turn things around. The bookies have them evenly match at 17/10 but I’d fancy the away side to pick up three points here. AmaZulu are far from a good side, but they should have enough in this one to leap frog Polokwane off the bottom of the PSL table.
Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits | Saturday 13 September | Orlando Stadium | 20:15
Pirates are starting to gain some much-needed league form, but they come up against a Wits side following on from last season’s commendable showing. The Bucs are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and have the upper hand in this one with two impressive showings against Wits in the MTN8 last month. One has to feel that they can continue this ascendancy in the league with a known opposition, but Gavin Hunt will make sure his troops throw everything at this one to get even from recent losses. 7/10 a Pirates win isn’t the worst, but a little short unless included in a multiple.
Ajax Cape Town vs Free State Stars | Saturday 13 September | Athlone Stadium | 20:15
Besides Chiefs, Ajax are the only unbeaten side left in the league. This time last season, under Muhsin Ertugral, they looked lost and were battling to scrape themselves off of the bottom of the PSL. This new-found confidence makes any team’s trip to the Mother City a difficult one. Stars haven’t been that bad considering the potential of their squad, and their tough run means they’re probably quite happy with their yield thus far. This match looks a tricky one for Stars, and probably a bridge too far for them. A draw is a possibility, but you’ve got to feel that Ajax will want to keep their fine run of form intact. At 7/10 you’re pretty certain of a winning bet, as much as that’s possible in this unpredictable league.
Moroka Swallows vs Chippa United | Sunday 14 September | Dobsonville Stadium | 15:00
Swallows’ three wins and two losses will have been well received by their faithful Dobsonville support, going down to Sundowns and Wits their only glitches. Chippa would’ve hoped for a better start, especially after their opening day win against Platinum Stars. Since then, a draw away at Ajax is their only other points-yielding fixture. Swallows are tough to face in Soweto, and for Chippa, a real taste of the depth of competition in the PSL, particularly when travelling. The home side are 7/10 a win and look full value for it. Chippa will try to upset the apple cart, but I can’t them pulling it off.
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Mamelodi Sundowns | Sunday 14 September | Free State Stadium | 20:15
They’re separated by a point on the PSL log, but in reality, Pitso Mosimane will be hoping his side make that gap exponentially wider by the end of the season. Downs have had a topsy-turvy start, with rock bottom being a 3-0 loss to Pirates. They face a Celtic side equally devoid of form, but more predictably so. They’ve battled to build a competitive squad in the last few years and I can’t see that changing soon. Despite being on the road, I’d like to think Downs will finally get things right. An away win pays 12/10 and look tempting value. Let’s hope Downs can pull it together and collect the full three points in this one.
The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your PSL tips and multiples below.
